FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY LAUNCHING OPERATION GREEN LIGHT Initiative to Support Local Veterans

FONDA, N.Y. --County Executive Pete Vroman announced today that Montgomery County buildings will be illuminated green as part of the Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

From November 4-11, county buildings and landmarks are illuminated with green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

"We're always looking for ways to show our veterans and their families how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice," Vroman said. "Operation Green Light is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the resources available to veterans and make sure they know where to turn for support."

Vroman, the Montgomery County Veterans Service Agency and the Joseph P. Dwyer Program are inviting residents, local businesses and community organizations to participate by changing one light to a green bulb.

"Operation Green Light gives our community a simple, powerful way to stand behind the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, Montgomery County Veteran Peer Advocate Andrew Whittingham said. "We encourage Montgomery County businesses to join us in lighting the way and showing our veterans that their service matters, their sacrifices are appreciated, and they will never be forgotten."

"Montgomery County is proud to stand behind the men and women who have worn the uniform of our country," Montgomery County Veteran Service Office Randy Weaver said. "Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. By participating in Operation Green Light, we are sending a message that our veterans are valued, respected, and supported-not just on Veterans Day, but every day."

Executive Director of Youth and Veterans Services Brenda Rava said that Montgomery County is home to

approximately 2,900 veterans and their families.

"Operation Green Light is a way for our community to show support and recognize our veterans for their service and sacrifices," she said. "Our team at the Montgomery County Veterans Service Agency and the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer-to-Peer Program provides veterans and their families with earned benefits information, and we assist them through the VA disability claims process and with other benefits such as burial assistance, obtaining military records, housing referrals and peer support," Rava continued. "We have a veterans food pantry at our office and a van service to the Fonda and Albany VA to assist our veterans in accessing their healthcare needs."

For more information on veterans' services, please contact the Montgomery County Veterans Service Agency at (518) 853-8152 or the

Montgomery County Veteran Peer Advocate at (518) 774-9134

###